1 Hotel Austin opened on September 17, 2026, in Austin, Texas, occupying space within the 74-story Waterline tower, the tallest building in the state. The hotel features 252 rooms, including 60 suites, and is part of the mixed-use Waterline development alongside the Rainey Street District. Developed by Lincoln and Kairoi Residential, the building’s architecture was crafted by Kohn Pedersen Fox with HKS Architects as the architect of record. Interior design was handled by Studio MAI in collaboration with the Starwood Hotels design team, while landscaping was developed by TBG Partners.
Design Rooted in Sustainability and Nature
The hotel emphasizes nature-led design and sustainability, integrating over 4,000
plants spanning more than 30 species, including a living plant wall. Natural and locally sourced materials such as locally quarried limestone, oak, and reclaimed wood from historic American buildings are used throughout the property. The design reflects a residential ambiance with bright, airy spaces featuring wood ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that link indoor areas to Austin’s natural environment.
Guest Accommodations and In-Room Wellness Features
Guest rooms offer views of Lady Bird Lake, Waller Creek, or downtown Austin through floor-to-ceiling windows. Rooms include filtered water taps, reusable glassware made from recycled wine bottles, cotton robes and slippers, yoga mats, and Bamford bath amenities with organic ingredients. The
minibar incorporates locally sourced Austin products such as chocolates from Desnudo, snacks from Austin Pretzel Company, Wildflower Caramels, and Tamalitoz treats, enhancing the local connection within guest stays.
Culinary Offerings and Beverage Concepts
1 Hotel Austin houses three food and beverage venues. Alteño, Austin’s first restaurant by James Beard Award nominee Chef Johnny Curiel, focuses on fire-driven flavors from the Jalisco Highlands and Mexican culinary traditions. The bar at Alteño offers more than 40 types of distilled Mexican spirits including mezcals, tequilas, raicilla, sotol, and corn whiskey. Neighbors Café and Wine Bar, the first Neighbors wine bar in the 1 Hotels collection, serves Mediterranean wines
with an emphasis on biodynamic and sustainable producers alongside cocktails and events such as game nights and Matcha Mondays. The rooftop venue watr is situated 16 stories above the city and features Japanese-inspired cuisine, inventive low-waste cocktails, and panoramic views of the Austin skyline and Lady Bird Lake.
Wellness Facilities and Local Partnerships
The hotel has a dedicated wellness floor including a fitness center with cardio and strength equipment and a yoga studio hosting guest and community classes, some held on the outdoor terrace overlooking the city and Lady Bird Lake. Personal training is available through a partnership with Monroe, a private members’ club in
Austin that offers indoor and outdoor training spaces, sauna, and cold plunge facilities. Bamford Wellness Spa includes six private treatment rooms, a couples suite, relaxation areas, and a retail boutique with organic skin care products. Spa treatments cover massages, facials, infrared sauna sessions, soundwave therapy, and red light treatments. Guests can join a three-mile Sunday run club around Lady Bird Lake and receive a complimentary three-day pass to Monroe.
Local Art Integration Reflects Austin Environment and Heritage
The hotel features an art collection inspired by Austin’s natural surroundings and architectural history. Artist Nate Page created a large installation across all 10 guest room floors inspired by a historic
Rainey Street bungalow. Christian Kasperkovitz produced a site-specific mural at Neighbors Café and Wine Bar using pigments derived from clay gathered at Waller Creek, tying local natural elements into the artistic design.
Barry Sternlicht, Founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of Starwood Hotels, described the Austin location as ideal for the brand’s focus on nature and sustainability, stating that few cities maintain tradition while embracing change as Austin does. Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels, characterized 1 Hotel Austin as a new gathering place for community, wellness, and sustainability that brings new energy to the city. Chef Johnny Curiel, overseeing
Alteño, emphasized creating a home-like dining experience based on family traditions in Jalisco.
